Arsene Wenger planning for life without Cesc Fabregas

ARSENE Wenger may still be making noises about keeping Cesc Fabregas at the Emirates, but the evidence of his efforts to bolster his team in anticipation of the Spaniard’s departure suggests he is reconciled to that eventuality at best – or resigned at worst.

Arsene Wenger seems to be planning for an Arsenal team without Cesc Fabregas []

And with yet more brazen come-hithers emanating from the Nou Camp, it seems clear that Wenger is wise to be turning to Plans B and C.

Barca have already had a £30 million offer rejected for Arsenal skipper Fabregas, but still want the player who left for the Gunners in 2003.

Barcelona presidential candidate Marc Ingla revealed his dream of unveiling Fabregas, 23, as his first signing if he wins Sunday’s election.

Ingla said: “Cesc is a marvel. My only worry is paying over the odds, but I confess that my dream would be to unveil Cesc.”

But Wenger said: “We want to keep our best players, that is my huge determination. I have built this team for years, from 16-17 years of age with most of the players. What is important is that Cesc has a great World Cup and what is also important is that he comes back to Arsenal and has a great desire to do well for the club.”

Despite that determined statement, Wenger clearly feels the writing may be on the wall and dropped the strongest hint yet that he might be preparing a summer swoop for Everton winger Steven Pienaar as well as throwing his hat in the ring for out-of-contract Joe Cole.

Wenger said: “Pienaar has grown this year. He was usually a very busy player where the final ball was missing a little bit, but this year he has gained in personality and he has kept his work-rate, so he has been much more efficient. What also played a big role in his growth was that Mikel Arteta was not there for a while and that he had to take the responsibility of being the playmaker of the team.

“He was one of the best players in England this year. He would get into the Arsenal team. I always had an eye on him since he was at Ajax.”

Wenger added: “I like Joe Cole as a player because when he played against us he always did a lot of damage. He can create impact through his creative play. He can dribble, he can pass, he can score goals.”

Arsenal have raised their bid for Lorient centre-back Laurent Koscielny to £9m. Wenger had a £4m offer rejected last week.

Lorient also turned down a second bonus-based offer this week including players, but Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has now gone back with a straight cash bid.